“That’ll be for you to decide. I can’t do all the work, Jordan. But I promise you, there’s a good life waiting for you, if you’re willing to adapt.”

How many times had Jordan said the same thing to Avery? Just muscle through the pain and the cravings. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. She was suddenly aware that Avery was now paying close attention. And one day, her sister might face a battle with drugs again, and she wanted her fight to be the example. “Fine, let’s give the cane a whirl.”

“Excellent.”

Emma relaxed against the 1972 sedan seat. Stan, the guy from the hospital, had a slight smile as he drove south on I-35. Though they had not eaten at the diner because the line was too long, Stan had suggested another place. She had agreed, and dinner had been fun.

“Thanks again for the ride,” Emma said.

“Least I could do after you missed the second bus.”

“Still, there’s another one in an hour.”

“Which is silly.”

“You sure this isn’t a problem?”

“Not at all.” He switched on the radio. She let her thoughts drift, thinking what had started as a bad day was now pretty good.

When he drove past her exit, she sat forward. “You missed my exit.”

“Did I?” He seemed confused. “Sorry. I’ll turn around.”

She smiled. Didn’t think twice.

He appeared to move toward the right side, ready to take the next exit. She let her gaze drift out the window.

When she heard the snap of electricity, she looked at him just as he pressed metal prongs to the side of her neck. Energy snapped through her, sending bolts of fire through every muscle. She spasmed several times, and her jaw clenched as her head fell backward.

“We’re going to have a little detour,” he said. The stun gun sounded as if it were recharging.

“No,” she whispered.

“Sorry, Emma, but we’re on my timeline now.” He pressed the stun gun to her side, and she jolted again. Her body seized, and she lost control of her bladder. Humiliation and fear burned through her.

“Please.”

“Junkies like you get what they deserve.”

“I stopped. I haven’t used in months.”

“It’s a matter of time before you use again. You all go back eventually. I should know. I can’t seem to control myself.”

“No, I’m not using again.”

“We all say that.”

“It’s true for me! I’m clean!”

“Be a good girl, or I can keep shocking you for hours. The stun gun is better than the club. And I like the way your tits twitch when your body spasms.” He turned up the radio louder, the pulsing rock music scraping over her shattered nerves. “We’re going to have a good time.”